The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem remained closed for security reasons as tensions in Israel continue to escalate following the joint attack launched on Saturday, February 28, by Israel and the United States against Iran—an escalation that has led to a broader intensification of conflict across the Middle East.
In light of the volatile situation, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem announced that the Lenten (Compunctionate) Vespers on the afternoon of the First Sunday of Great Lent (February 16 / March 1, 2026) was not celebrated in its customary setting at the still-closed Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Instead, the service took place at 2:30 p.m. in the Patriarchal and Monastic Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, the church of the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre. The service was attended in prayer by the Hierarchs of the Holy Sepulchre and other Fathers of the Brotherhood.
Before the conclusion of the Vespers, the divine word was proclaimed by the Elder Dragoman and Master of Ceremonies of the Patriarchate, Archimandrite Matthaios.
The closure of Christianity’s holiest site underscores the gravity of the current security concerns and reflects the wider instability affecting the region.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
